Shopsmith Forums

Hello folks, just joined the forum because I'm about to buy a used 500 mark v. The one I'm buying is missing the drill chuck, which oddly is the main tool I currently have need of, a drill press. I'm curious though, how proprietary is the shop smith for things like that? I would like to buy a dado set, and obviously need a drill chuck. How does one determine the age of the machine?
The one I am buying has router bits with it, but I didn't notice a specific router table, was that an add on? As a maximum speed of 5200 rpm, is the router table a good investment? Apparently this one has also had motor work done to it in Regina Saskatchewan by a professional shop, albeit not a shop smith dealer. It fired up fine and sounded good until it tripped the breaker. I didn't get a chance to check out the speed controller as a result of the breaker problem.
How good is the table saw fence on the 500? Are there upgrades to it available? Again, I didn't get to try cutting anything, but the fence seemed to only attach to the aluminium table, no specific rails or anything. I have 2 other table saws, so this isn't a huge issue.
Blair

If the drill chuck is missing, just order a new one from Shopsmith.

I don't use my Shopsmith much for routing and shaping as I would like more speed than it gives me. I have portable routers for those jobs.

The fence works fine, but the table is small for sawing large pieces. You can upgrade a 500 to a 510 or 520, but it is a bit expensive, and if you already have other table saws, it might not be worth it. Check out Shopsmith's site for options and prices.

Blair,

Welcome to the SS forum; you can find drill chucks on eBay as well, just make sure you include Shopsmith in your search. I, like garys, do not use my SS for routing mainly because I already have routers but there is a speed increaser that you can purchase from SS if you want to have the speed required for routing.

Although not 'proprietary' per se, the drill chuck is unique in that the mount is a plain 5/8" bore with set screw.

Did the 'seller' have it plugged into an extension cord? If so that would explain the on then trip breaker sequence. The motor draws considerable power until it gets up to running rpm. With reduced voltage at the far end, the motor will be slow to ramp up.

Yes the spindle speed is slow for routing, but with slow feed rate it can get it done.

There is a rip fence 'upgrade', but it mainly only provides a 't-slot' on it's top and more convenient clamping. The original fence has through holes for mounting jigs etc.. It clamps both to a small rail at the front and to the back edge.

As for it's age, if original paint the color can provide clues. A better reference is the silver vent plate in the center of the left side of the headstock. It will have either a serial number or date of manufacture. The later ones have a date sticker.

A word of caution - Do not adjust the speed dial unless the shafts are rotating either under power or manually.

JMHO, but I would chose e-bay for the chuck. My preference is the older ones(model 10 E/ER or Mark 5(Jacobs 3326 or multicraft). Keys are easily found if missing.

Canada I assume. Which province etc.?

Regarding your question about determining age, the Shopsmith site can help you figure that out based on serial number, found on the vent plate at left end of headstock. Under the Maintenance and Repair section of the forum are a couple of topics that are "stickies" and stay at the top of the list with a lot of valuable information, tips, etc. I too have the router bits but have not had much luck using them, and find a hand held router and templates/jigs more convenient. The 500 table and fence work fine for my needs, but compared to a dedicated table saw which I have never owned, you may find lacking. I strongly suggest you try out the speed control before buying ... if it is tripping a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker, something may be wrong. Be sure you are trying to start in a lower speed range. If not in the lower speed range, with the power off and with a sanding disc mounted, manually spin the disc while turning the speed control to a lower speed. Best of luck!

Blair
Try this listing on E Bay
351518241373
Bill V
Better yet go here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Tall-Shopsmit ... 51d81eb25d

Thanks for the reference to the eBay chuck, I just bought it. Now for the table saw. I've seen some with a bar mounted front and back that the fence clamps to, and others like the one I'm getting where the fence clamps directly to the table. What is this upgrade called? I take it that the machine me getting is a 500.

'Bars' front and back would be a '510' upgrade. Boxy rails front and back would be a 520 upgrade. Either is $$$$$$. Bigger table and better rip fence.

So approximately what is the cost for the 510 or 520 upgrades?

Blair wrote:So approximately what is the cost for the 510 or 520 upgrades?

Beware of 'sticker shock'!!!!!!

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... m#upgrades

Obviously going to 520 is a no brainer over the 510. Not much $ difference between them.